Arco Idaho and Atomic Power
I. Idaho
After many miles of driving through fields,
through Idaho Falls and into the plains
where sky is broken by miles of green grains,
a state economy based on its yields.
These miles and miles of well kept pastoral
an American remake of Breugel,
a story bales of hay patiently tell,
these strokes in canvas, perfect, masterful.
On future crops of garlic on the road,
Idaho, of the old rustic village,
these empty shopfronts made of aged wood.
On local rail lines silos fill the load
with loaders built to prevent all spillage
just miles from where a field of lettuce stood.
II. Arco
Just north of ancient volcanic barrens
tan trailers begin to pepper the route,
under a vista the road straightens out,
atomic structure provides environs.
In Arco atomic power was fused,
the BORAX built in 1951,
atomic energy bright as the sun,
to light all light bulbs and devices used.
This town of Arco became a world’s first
to harness experimental power
even if just for one day in July.
Yet today one could say the town looks cursed
by purple blooms from local wild flower,
as American as an apple pie.
III. Fire
From campground located outside of town
some travelers witnessed an Arco Fourth
where local fireworks were seen blossomed forth,
explosions of color alter the brown.
The children ran down the street with sparklers,
this town of Arco steeped in tradition,
a July day to forget condition,
explosions thrown from some small firecrackers.
On folding camp chairs we witness a fire
that rapidly engulfs the bluff above
and fire truck sirens enhance all the noise.
These accidental histories expire
into a darkness with a calming shove
as crickets drown the sound of people’s joys.
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You crafted a palette of scenery and history for your readers. I’m not familiar with your state, although I’ve driven through it a few times back in my 18 wheeler days, coming north from Canada through your potato state, I was mesmerized by the twists and turns of the secondary highways, fields and villages adorning the architecture. It was always a memorial drive. Your descriptive visuals were very interesting Jamie. I wasn’t aware of Arco and it’s atomic power and being the worlds first to harness experimental power. Well penned.
Nicely penned on the vivid imagery of a rural area and pastoral scenes, Jamie. It is hard to imagine that behind it all is an atomic power plant. Very interesting indeed.
Yes, nicely crafted Ed, great imagery and fascinating history. Cheers!
Well Jamie now I want to go to Idaho since you have awaken my curiosity. Hoping you got a free bed… haha. Nicely done and enjoyed
Such interesting things are tucked away in these small rural towns. Though I’ve never been through Idaho it does sound like an interesting place. Nice imagery, well done